Current Passport requirements??

[markel]

I have a group cruise scheduled for end of October 2008 and have been told via the cruise line that passports ARE NOT required for this trip. I've been told that the final requirements will start in 2009. Some have them some don't. I want to give everyone the correct info. on this. Is this correct about not needing them until 2009??? I've looked at the Dept. of State website and am still not certain. Leaving from Port Everglades. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Mark

[CapriciousC]

Here's a link to the requirements:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Basically, no, you won't need a passport for travel by sea to the Caribbean in October of this year - a driver's license and birth certificate will suffice.

[Fern Modena]

Mark,
Here's the deal...even if you don't need them, if you can you should get a passport. You have plenty of time. Why? Suppose something happens (illness, etc.) and you are put off the ship at an intermediate point somewhere...Mexico, the Caribbean, etc. That changes the whole ballgame. You'll now be flying home once you are able to, and guess what? You'll need a passport for entry. They won't care that you didn't originally need one, if your plans hadn't changed.

Nobody expects anything like this to happen, but it does...

Fern

[markel]

Capri & Fern,

Thanks for the input !! The wife and I do have passports. My kids don't, but we will be getting theirs within the next few weeks. I am just exploring options for the others in the group who are traveling. Some probably will, others won't. Your reasoning is good Fern. Although I've never been anywhere where I actually needed one, I'm waiting for the last minute deal of the century where I will be glad that I have it !!

Mark

[x3 skier]

Get passports, The expense is small considering who knows what the rules may be in the future. Why not get one now since the mass hysteria and long waiting times have been more or less disappeared.

Cheers

[Twinkstarr]

Originally Posted by x3 skier

Get passports, The expense is small considering who knows what the rules may be in the future. Why not get one now since the mass hysteria and long waiting times have been more or less disappeared.

Cheers

That would be my advice also. We went in the end of Aug to get the kids paperwork done and I was surprised on how fast they came through(first timers). It took a bit longer for my husband and mine's renewals though. Just a few weeks longer.

My MIL, who's 89 drove my husband nuts until he got the paperwork and helped get her renewal going. She saw they might require one to go into Canada by bus(she likes to go to the casino in Windsor). DH was telling her the requirement was in the future and why is she passing the 3 casinos in downtown Detroit?

[Talent312]

I recently read a story about a family with a sick child who were summarily put off their ship in the Bahamas, which sailed on without them. They had to fork out about $400 for emergency passports at the US Embassy to get back into the States. I'd advise anyone in your group w/o a passport to pony up.

[CapriciousC]

I think everyone has made really good points about having passports, just in case. You hate to think of the worst-case scenario, but those things do happen, and it only adds to the stress to have to get documents arranged at the last minute.

I'm glad you and your family have or will be getting passports. I wouldn't step foot across the border without one, but I'm kind of paranoid that way.

[falmouth3]

I carry my passport with me - even for domestic flights. I prefer taking it out instead of struggling to get my license out of my wallet.

Sue

[T_R_Oglodyte]

In addition to travel, passports are useful as a second form of identification. If you your wallet gets lost or stolen, it's easy to produce a passport as ID. It' makes it much easier to get replacement ID.